DENVER (KDVR) — On the closing day of CrimeCon Denver, the weekend wrapped up with a poignant session featuring the family of Gabby Petito, whose tragic murder in 2021 captured the attention of the entire nation.
Her parents and step-parents took the stage with FOX31’s Vicente Arenas to conclude the event, sharing stories about Gabby and focusing on raising awareness for domestic violence issues.
In the expansive ballroom of the Gaylord Rockies convention center, Petito’s stepmother, Tara Petito, initially felt the jitters in front of the large crowd, but now appreciates engaging with such an audience.
“We want to get up there, we want to make sure people know that there is resources out there,” Petito said.
Gabby’s mom, Nichole Schmidt, agrees. Having been a part of CrimeCon for three years now, she says it’s been good to see how it’s evolved.
“Maybe it started out the first year where it was more about true crime but now it’s more about awareness,” Schmidt said.
They use platforms like their Gabby Petito Foundation to offer support to victims of domestic violence. Gabby’s mother, Schmidt, mentions that although being in the public eye has aided their cause, events like CrimeCon help keep them authentic.
“We want the public to see us as ordinary individuals who are approachable, and that’s why we come to events like CrimeCon, to connect and have conversations with everyone,” Schmidt explained.
Mother and daughter Alyssa and Rebecca came from Nebraska as true crime fans and came away impressed.
“There were numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts, which was fascinating and something we otherwise wouldn’t have experienced,” Alyssa remarked.
They say the Petito’s panel specifically made an impact on them.
“How they can take something so tragic and turn it into this huge international reach for safety for all genders, but for women specifically in domestic violence situations, that was unbelievable to hear,” Rebecca said. “That was so uplifting for me.”
Reactions like theirs are exactly what Schmidt and Petito say they are thankful to hear.
“We get a lot of people saying Gabby saved them and that means a lot to us,” Schmidt said.
If you missed CrimeCon this year in Denver, you don’t have to travel far for next year’s which will be held in Las Vegas.
